RICHMOND – Virginia will soon have a new directory of historical and cultural sites that interpret their significance to the region, state or country available for the traveling public. As the result of 2010 legislation introduced by Del. Terry Kilgore of Gate City and signed by Gov. Bob McDonnell, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation is taking applications for sites designated for inclusion in the Virginia Cultural Heritage Site Directory.

The designation and directory were established to help promote sites across the state that are open to the public and provide insight into their historic or cultural significance. Sites such as museums and visitor centers that promote history or culture may also be included. Privately and publically owned sites are eligible, with the exception of properties owned or managed by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Criteria for eligibility include a description of the site’s national, state or regional cultural or historic significance, providing public tours or interpretation and compliance with the American Disabilities Act. Applications will be reviewed by DCR’s director and the Virginia Board of Conservation and Recreation. Final approval rests with the Virginia Governor.

Once approved, sites will be compiled into a directory that will reside on the DCR website with information on the Virginia State Park system. Last year the DCR website received 1.9 million visits.

Those interested in applying can go to the DCR website’s Cultural Heritage Site page at www.dcr.virginia.gov/culture.shtml. For information on all Virginia State Parks go to www.virginiastateparks.gov.